Additional Resources
As a mother of an child with an addiction, I've tried many different tools and resources to help me along my own journey to move out of the "Mom Code" and into my "Love Another Way" strategies so that I could encourage him to overcome his addiction and regain joy in my home and my heart.
Along the way I've found some resources that truly made a difference for me and that I hope can make a difference for you, as well. I'll update this page over time as I find new resources to help.
Barbara
Nifty Metal Straws
The single most requested item of all. These are the "nifty metal straws" that Barbara talks about rarely handing out anymore. Amazon
A Few Book Recommendations
Two very useful books I read very early in my journey.
Difficult Conversations: How To Discuss What Matters Amazon
I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help Amazon
A recent read that explains dopamine and what happens to the brain during addiction. Highly recommend.
The Molecule of More Amazon
Meet Maybeth Wallace. She's a grandmother who started a book writing project with her grandson. And as addiction took her time and attention, it ended up in limbo. As Beth mastered Love Another Way, she chose to make this book's completion a priority. And then did just that. I, for one, am so glad she did. A true Solution-Oriented Warrior!
And the thing is that the message in this book is a wonderful reminder to us adults as well. It has the power to make the world a better place, one person at a time.
Glennie's Gift Amazon
For those of you with grandchildren
These emotional learning books and cuddly plush animals are highly recommended.
Pema Chödrön
I lived with Pema’s voice in my ears for several years early in Eric’s journey. I still pull her CDs out from time to time. Following her message helps me control my emotions - or rather tame them - and allows me to communicate differently with everyone around me.
She has books also for some of these. I prefer the audio.
The first audio listed below I have purchased 6 copies of. I loan it to someone and expect to give it back. People do not give it back. People tell me they love it, but they do not offer to give it back. :) So, I buy a new copy. LOL
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times Heart Advice for Difficult Times
The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions
Amazon (print unavailable)
Good Medicine: How to Turn Pain into Compassion with Tonglen Meditation (2 Discs)
Amazon (print unavailable)
Getting Unstuck: Breaking Your Habitual Patterns and Encountering Naked Reality
Amazon (print unavailable)
Unconditional Confidence: Instructions for Meeting Any Experience with Trust and Courage
Amazon (print unavailable)
Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment
Amazon (print unavailable)
Brené Brown
Everything Brené puts out is worth watching or reading, IMO.
The Call to Courage - Wonderful - Netflix
The Anatomy of Trust - How the small positive things we do build trust - as she says “in very small moments.” She also talks about how ASKING for help builds trust.
And profound comments on how we get value from being the helper in a relationship.
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
Dr. Gabor Maté
We highly recommend all of Dr. Maté's work and it is informative not just around our addicted loved ones, but may also apply to each of us. Here's the link.
The Anonymous People
This is an extremely well-made and impactful movie featuring individuals in sustained recovery.
I highly recommend everyone who has any addiction impact in their lives watch it. It's available inexpensively on Amazon. Here's the link.
Recommendations from a codependency coach.
Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal
Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul
Slumberkins
Happy Light
Kara has been recommending a Happy Light for about a year now. I finally ordered one because I can use all the help I get as we go into the darker months. Here’s the one I chose.
Personal protection device - that makes noise and flashes light
Kara recommended this for us. I’d like to suggest also it might be a good gift idea for ladies in our lives. :)
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
The Parent’s 20-Minute Guide: A guide for parents about how to help their children change their substance use.
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change How Science and Kindness Help People Change
This is an excellent book and goes with the Parent’s 20-minute guide.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Untamed by Glennon Doyle has been highly recommended by a number of our students and clinicians.
This is available here on Amazon
Narcan
There is so much we are powerless to do. Here is something we can all do, if we choose.
Get some Narcan - keep it somewhere where it will always be available to you no matter where you are. It may save someone you love; it may save a stranger.
Consider saying to your loved one: "Can I at least give you some Narcan?" Because if we can keep them alive, there is the hope of recovery.
Store in a place where it will not get too hot or cold. Perhaps a purse?
You'll need to do some research in your local area on where you can acquire Narcan.
When it’s time to make a change
Many of these links are to Amazon. Full disclosure, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.